Services

Fire Damper Installation & Maintenance Services

Stop the transmission of fire and smoke throughout buildings

Fire dampers are a safety device installed in the ductwork of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems to stop the transmission of fire and smoke throughout buildings. Sharpfibre offer a range of services to ensure the compliant installation and operation of fire dampers as part of a passive fire protection strategy: Fire damper installations in line with industry regulations, Fire damper inspections and drop tests, Fire damper remediation as part of legal fire safety requirements.

How do fire dampers work and why are they important?

When a fire breaks out, the heat causes the fire damper’s fusible link (a heat-sensitive device) to melt at a specific temperature—usually around 165°F (74°C). Once this happens, the damper automatically closes, creating a barrier that helps contain the fire to one area.Despite the crucial role they play in fire protection, fire dampers are often overlooked in comparison to better-known methods such as sprinklers, alarms and extinguishers. If left unprotected, ductwork can act as a highway for flames and smoke, quickly spreading them throughout a building. Fire dampers are therefore crucial for the following reasons: Containing fires to prevent rapid spread and limit damage, Protecting occupants by reducing the risk of smoke inhalation, Supporting compliance with building codes and safety regulations.

Standards and legislation for fire damper inspections and testing

In January 2020, VH001 – Fire and Smoke Damper Maintenance was released, providing updated instructions on responsibilities, legislation, testing and reporting for fire dampers to support existing standards and publications: BESA, BS 9999 and DW145 – Installation and Maintenance of Fire and Smoke Dampers.

BS 9999:2017 provides clear guidance on the routine inspection and maintenance of ventilation and air conditioning ductwork. It states that all fire dampers should be tested at intervals not exceeding 12 months. This standard also requires that all fire dampers be tested by a competent person after installation and then at regular intervals not exceeding two years.

Other specific standards include the fact that spring-operated fire dampers must be tested every 12 months (in dusty or polluted environments, they may require more frequent testing). Additionally, in healthcare settings, HTM 03-01 specifies that fire dampers in hospitals must be tested annually without exception.

Unless you are certified to carry out fire damper drop tests, it is strongly advised to employ a qualified specialist. Professional fire damper testing not only ensures compliance but also provides you with the necessary evidence and certification for your records.

Here are the main reasons why it is important to conduct regular testing through an accredited team of experts such as Sharpfibre:

  • Identifying faults that could cause dampers to fail during a fire
  • Assessing the condition of each damper to plan for repairs or replacement
  • Ensuring dampers are repaired or replaced immediately if found faulty, as required by BS 9999
  • Supporting the creation of a maintenance plan, helping you manage budgets and schedule work effectively

Some of our Recent Projects

It quickly became apparent that very few suppliers or installers could meet the huge challenges the project presented. Thankfully, due to the national importance of the project, Sharpfibre were able to meet these challenges. Installing over 13,000m2 of Durasteel and 5,500m2 of Vermiculux S to provide 4-hour compartment walls, ceilings and protection to structural steelwork in a matter of weeks.

Sharpfibre dealt with multiple design, installation and co-ordination problems throughout the project. Remarkably given the volume of work completed, the installation was of extremely high quality as observed by the multiple site inspections undertaken during installation by Etex Building Performance.

Sharpfibre were brave to even attempt a job of this scale and have delivered with merit to the benefit of national grid and the country. In our view given the scale, importance and complexity of the installation it would be extremely deserving of the award for best project of the year.  

Joshua Slack National Specification Manager, Promat – Etex Building Performance Ltd

We’ve worked with Sharpfibre through 2 PCSA agreements on our £300m TQA1 project. Here they have provided technical advice on penetration seals, cavity barriers, gap seals & fire boarding across our project. Over the 18 months they have been onsite they have worked proactively to ensure compliance with manufactures tested details and resourced the job appropriately when asked. They have maintained excellent records of their works and have been a pleasure to work with. Their passion and their expertise have been much appreciated, and I’d recommend them to other principal contractors who are after a competent firestopping sub-contractor

Harry Jenner Senior Engineer, Sir Robert McAlpine

It has been a pleasure working with Sharpfibre throughout the barker project and look forward to the next one

Daniel Jesus Quantity Surveyor, Sir Robert McAlpine

Thank you for the shift report. It is encouraging to observe you and the team collaborating effectively. I appreciate the results we are currently achieving on-site as the lean expert, and I have no additional comments regarding the working process. In his own words, we appear to be well-organized and functioning cohesively.

Kareem Hanson Project Manager Dartford Tunnel

From our initial enquiry through to the completion of the project Sharpfibre went above and beyond to ensure the project was completed on time and budget. This involved working in difficult conditions on a daily basis, and your technical support throughout the project was invaluable to ensure the works undertaken met the specification required on this project. The project commenced in November 2023 and was delivered in very tight deadline.

Chris Cobb Planned Programmes Supervisor, Bristol City Council

It is phenomenal to see the progress that has been made on the rebuild since demolition was completed in March… What really impressed me was the level of communication and cooperation you have generated… What gave me confidence today was the quality of the build I saw – no evidence that build quality is being impaired by schedule yet…

David Wright Chief Engineer at National Grid

Behind it’s striking new facade and in what has become a landmark development in Southend, Beaumont Court & Richmond House offers not only a superior style of apartment, but a brighter way of life in the heart of Southend on Sea

Randal Watts

Sharpfibre’s involvement during the design development stage was invaluable in ensuring the buildings critical design performance requirements were fully satisfied and hence delivering the right solution to both the client and the construction team.

Paul Lynchehaun Project Director, Laing O’Rourke

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Trust us to be your steadfast partner in
securing compliance, safety, and peace of mind.

From initial planning to seamless post-installation support, Sharpfibre offers an all-encompassing solution that spans a wide range of products, effectively addressing the majority of passive fire-related concerns.

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